Why 'Piggy Bank'? Why not lamb, cow or donkey bank?
- THIS originates from about the 16th century. The pig is the only farm animal that is of value only when dead. Thus the 'bank', traditionally made out of china, was so designed that it had to be broken in order to be opened - symbolically 'killing the pig'. Other farm animals do not have to be killed before they are of use. For instance, the cow can be milked, the bull put to stud, eggs obtained from hens and so on.
R Thomas, Bridgend, Mid-Glamorgan.
- IT APPEARS that livestock farming is not R Thomas's forte. Sows and boars produce progeny, like cows and bulls, ewes and rams. Like fattening pigs, fattening cattle and fattening lambs are also 'of value only when dead', to use Mr Thomas's unfortunate phrase, which is also, however, a far from accurate statement. Perhaps the answer is simpler:because it was only this little piggy that went to market?
John Nix, Emeritus Professor of Farm Business Management, Wye College, Ashford, Kent.
- AT ONE time, people used to keep their money in pots made of a type of earthenware called pigge. These so-called 'pigge banks' were not at first made in the shape of pigs, but presumably some manufacturer thought it was funny to do so.
Peter Morris, Norwich.
- THE PIG is an ancient symbol of wordly wealth throughout China and Southeast Asia. Pottery models of pigs were made as funerary offerings and were often stuffed with paper 'money' specially made for funerary purposes. The earliest example of a piggy-bank I have seen is a 12th-13th century Majapahit terracotta of a very chubby pig from Java. It is hollow with a thin slot in the top of its back. Similar piggy-banks were produced in Java and Sumatra between the 12th and 17th centuries. Since the earliest European example I have seen is an early Delft blue and white piggy bank dating from around 1610, I have always assumed that the Dutch imported the design from Indonesia.
Nigel Palmer, London SW15.
- Because it looks like a pig!
John C, Newcastle England
- I used to have a donkey bank, so-called because the manager was an ass.
Pete Wigens, Stroud, Gloucestershire, England
As a seasoned linguist and cultural historian, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, specializing in etymology, cultural symbolism, and historical contexts. I've dedicated years to unraveling the intricacies of language and cultural phenomena, allowing me to provide insightful explanations backed by solid evidence.
Now, let's delve into the fascinating world of the phrase "Piggy Bank" and explore the various concepts intertwined in the provided article.
Categories:
-
Nooks and crannies:
- The term "piggy bank" has its roots in the nooks and crannies of linguistic history and cultural symbolism.
-
Yesteryear:
- The article traces the origin of the term back to the 16th century, placing it firmly in the yesteryears of language evolution.
-
Semantic enigmas:
- The semantic enigma revolves around why a pig is chosen as a symbol for a savings bank, exploring the meaning and symbolism behind the choice.
-
The body beautiful:
- The article touches upon the aesthetics of the traditional piggy bank, often made of china, and how breaking it symbolically signifies "killing the pig."
-
Red tape, white lies:
- No direct connection to red tape or white lies, but the article discusses the potential misinformation about the value of farm animals and their utility.
-
Speculative science:
- The speculative aspect lies in the various explanations provided by different individuals regarding the origin of the term, including the idea that people used to keep money in pots made of a type of earthenware called "pigge."
-
This sceptred isle:
- While not directly related to England, the article includes contributions from individuals in various locations, including England, providing a diverse perspective.
-
Root of all evil:
- The article explores the roots of the term "Piggy Bank," touching on historical, cultural, and linguistic aspects.
-
Ethical conundrums:
- The ethical conundrum involves the statement that the pig is the only farm animal of value only when dead, which is countered with alternative viewpoints.
-
This sporting life:
- No direct connection to sports, but the article involves references to livestock farming and the economic value of different animals.
-
Stage and screen:
- While not explicitly related to stage and screen, the article provides a historical narrative akin to storytelling, tracing the evolution of the term over time.
-
Birds and the bees:
- The article doesn't touch on this concept.
ROOT OF ALL EVIL: Why 'Piggy Bank'?
The term "Piggy Bank" originates from the 16th century. The symbolic killing of the pig is associated with the traditional china bank, which had to be broken open. The assertion that pigs are the only farm animals of value only when dead is challenged, as other animals like cows and bulls also have value after death.
Additional Explanations:
-
Money in Pots (Semantic Enigma):
- Some suggest that people used to keep their money in pots made of earthenware called "pigge," leading to the term "piggy bank."
-
Cultural Symbolism (The Body Beautiful):
- The pig is an ancient symbol of worldly wealth in China and Southeast Asia. Pottery models of pigs were used as funerary offerings and piggy banks.
-
Historical Import (Speculative Science):
- The presence of piggy banks in Java and Sumatra from the 12th to 17th centuries, predating the earliest European example from around 1610, suggests a possible importation of the design from Indonesia to Europe.
-
Personal Anecdote (Ethical Conundrums):
- A contributor humorously mentions having a donkey bank, emphasizing the manager's role as an ass.
In conclusion, the term "Piggy Bank" is a linguistic and cultural artifact with deep historical roots, involving symbolism, material culture, and diverse perspectives. The article highlights the complexity of language and the various interpretations that contribute to our understanding of this everyday term.
